To apply, renew, or replace a minor’s passport, parents or guardians must coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Unlike the application process for adults, applying for a minor’s passport involves additional requirements and steps. The process involves specific requirements, such as the child’s birth certificate, valid IDs of the parent or guardian, and personal appearance of both the minor and the accompanying adult.
Appointments can be scheduled through the DFA’s official website, and their offices, embassies, and consulates are available to assist with any concerns.
The Philippine Passport
Before going abroad, having a passport is a must. All Filipinos, including children, are eligible to acquire this document.
Previously, the Philippine passport was valid for just five years, after which it must be renewed. Recently, however, the “New Philippine Passport Act of 2024” was signed. The new legislation raised the passport’s validity period to 10 years for adults, and five years for minors (below 18 years old). It also enhanced the passport application process, streamlining digital platforms and providing courtesy lanes for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), senior citizens, children below 7 years old, and other categories.
Requirements
For minors, the basic requirements for getting a passport are listed below. The list varies slightly for new passport applications, passport renewal, and replacement of lost or damaged passports.
For New Applications
- Confirmed Online Appointment;
- Accomplished Application Form;
- Personal Appearance of Minor Applicant and Either Parent or Authorized Adult Companion;
- Original and Photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); and
- Valid IDs (at least one) of the Minor Applicant and the Accompanying Adult.
For Passport Renewal
- Confirmed Online Appointment;
- Accomplished Application Form;
- Personal Appearance of Minor Applicant and Either Parent or Authorized Adult Companion;
- Current Passport with Photocopy of Data Page;
- PSA-issued Birth Certificate; and
- Valid IDs (at least one) of the Minor Applicant and the Accompanying Adult.
For Replacement of Lost Passport
The same requirements as passport renewal, plus the following:
- Original and Photocopy of Police Report (in English);
- Original and Photocopy of Notarized Affidavit of Loss (in English); and
- Penalty Fee of PHP 350.
NOTES:
- The Police Report and Affidavit of Loss must be filed/signed by the parent(s), legal guardian, or person authorized by the parent(s) who will accompany the minor on the day of application.
- Aside from the above, if a photocopy of the minor applicant’s latest passport is not available, a PSA-issued Birth Certificate will be required, and he/she will be treated as a new applicant.
For Replacement of Damaged Passport
The same requirements as passport renewal, plus the following:
- Notarized Affidavit of Explanation; and
- Penalty Fee of PHP 350.
NOTES:
- The Notarized Affidavit of Loss must be signed by the parent(s), legal guardian, or person authorized by the parent(s) who will accompany the minor on the day of application.
- Aside from the above, the applicant’s PSA-issued Birth Certificate will be required, and he/she will be treated as a new applicant.
Additional Notes/Reminders
- Children below 7 years old are not required to book an online appointment, since they are eligible to use the Courtesy Lane.
- If the minor’s PSA-issued Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read, a copy from the Local Civil Registrar may be required.
- In some cases, the DFA may require additional documents as proof of the minor’s identity and citizenship. To learn more about these supporting documents, visit these links for new applications and passport renewal.
Passport Fees
The fees for passport applications (for adults as well as minor applicants) are as follows:
- Regular Processing – PHP 950
- Expedited Processing – PHP 1,200
- Penalty for Lost or Damaged Passport – PHP 350
CAUTION: When booking an appointment with the DFA, keep in mind that passport appointments are free of charge. Beware of “fixers” who charge money for “assistance” in setting appointments.
Infographic
Step-by-Step Guide
The steps to getting a new passport or renewing an old one is pretty much the same, for both adults and minor applicants. There are four major steps: booking an appointment, preparing documents, personal appearance, and claiming/receiving the passport.
Booking an Appointment
First, you need to book an appointment through the DFA Online Appointment System. This includes selecting your preferred date, time, and location (DFA office). Everything is done online, such as providing details, paying the processing fee, and paying the courier fee (if you want the passport to be delivered to your registered address).
Upon completion of your online booking, a Confirmed Appointment Packet will be generated. Be sure to print this packet, since this will be required during your personal appearance at the DFA.
NOTE: For children below 7 years old, an online appointment is not necessary, since they are eligible for the DFA’s Courtesy Lane.
Preparing Documents
In addition to the Confirmed Appointment Packet, don’t forget to prepare PSA-issued certificates, Valid IDs, and other documents that may be required by the DFA.
Personal Appearance
On the scheduled date and time, head to the selected DFA office with all the required documents. Minor applicants must be accompanied by either parent or an authorized adult companion. Everyone must be in proper attire; contact lenses, jewelry, and excessive makeup are not allowed.
At the DFA office, the staff will check and verify your application. Once verified, you will have your biometrics (fingerprints), photo, and signature taken, as well.
Claiming/Receiving Passport
After personal appearance at the DFA, the next step is to wait for your new passport! If you are based in the National Capital Region (NCR), the waiting time is around 10 working days. In contrast, the period is 12 working days for those based outside the NCR.
Of course, if you opted for expedited (or faster) processing, the waiting time is shorter: five working days for those in the NCR, and seven working days for those outside the region.
Ultimately, there are two ways to claim your passport. First, you can choose to have it delivered to your registered address. If you opted for this already during your online booking, then all you have to do is wait for your new passport to arrive!
Secondly, you can decide to pick up your passport… at the same DFA office where you filed your application. In this case, you’ll need to bring your DFA-issued receipt, a valid ID, and old passport (for renewal application) to claim the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions — and answers — regarding passport applications for minors:
Can minors apply without an appointment?
Minors who are 7 years old and below can apply without an appointment. They can use the “Courtesy Lane” at DFA offices, along with senior citizens, OFWs, solo parents, and other categories.
Who can accompany minors 7 years old and below?
Minor applicant may be accompanied by one or both parents. If neither of them are present, the minor may be accompanied by his/her legal guardian or an authorized representative.
What if the parents are not present or available?
If the child’s parents are not present, he/she may be accompanied by a legal guardian or authorized representative, provided that they present a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the parent.
What if the parents are deceased, absent, or deemed unsuitable?
In these cases, the child may be accompanied by a court-appointed guardian. The guardian may be a relative or another person, who can file a petition for the appointment of guardianship over the child.
During passport-related transactions, the accompanying guardian must present a copy of the court-issued Letter of Guardianship.
Contact Information: DFA Aseana
DFA Aseana is the primary facility for passport services in the Philippines. It is open Mondays to Fridays, from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. For a list of other DFA offices, please visit this link.
Address: Aseana Business Park, Bradco Avenue, corner Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Parañaque, 1714 Metro Manila
Telephone: (02) 8556 0000
Email: passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph
Website: https://www.passport.gov.ph/
Google Map:
As long as you have all the necessary documents, getting a passport for your child is now easy and straightforward. Just make sure that everything is up to date and complete, and you’re all set!